MomHouston’s Summer Guide: July 28 – August 3

July 28 – August 3:

EWWW! The Health Museum is hosting the Grossology exhibit, which is an interactive exhibit on all the gross stuff about our bodies. “Based on the best-selling book Grossology by Sylvia Branzei, this exhibition uses sophisticated animatronics and imaginative exhibits to tell you the good, the bad and the downright ugly about runny noses, body odor and much more. Families will enjoy the interactive stations and scientific explanations to help teach the “not-so-flattering” components of the human body.”

For something a little less … icky, try If You Give a Moose a Muffin at the Main Street Theater. “What happens when you give a demanding moose a muffin? He’s going to want some blackberry jam, and then he’s going to want… The hilarious sequel to IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE captivates audiences with more outrageous antics of the little boy and his newest unexpected guest, a hungry moose.”

This week is The Great Create Week at the Children’s Museum. “Kids are invited to celebrate National Inventor’s Month by unleashing their creativity through the use of simple household items to invent new creations.”

For a little Texas history, why not head down to the San Jacinto Monument and Battleship Texas? Did you know that the San Jacinto Monument is the largest monument tower in the world. It’s true! There’s also a museum that explores the Battle of San Jacinto. Battleship Texas, which is located at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, also welcomes visitors.

Know any great things to do with the kids this summer? Tell us about them in the comments! Or, submit them to our MomHouston calendar.

More fun summer ideas after the jump:

August 4 – August 10:

How about a ball game? The Astros will be playing the Mets on Sunday, August 3rd, and the first 10,000 kids 15 years and younger through the gates will receive a free Astros backpack. Additionally, following the game, kids between the ages of 5-15 will be allowed to run the bases. The game begins at 1:05, but arrive early for that backpack!

Did you know that the Houston Museum of Natural Science had a satellite location in The Woodlands? The Woodlands Xploration Station is inside the Woodlands Mall, and is complete with its very own full-sized Tyrannosaurus rex! The Frogs! exhibit featuring colorful Clown Frogs, an African Burrowing Frog, and the humongous Giant Monkey Frog, is at this location.

And through September, Woodlands Xploration Station is hosting the National Geographic Crittercam: The World Through Animal Eyes: “Crittercam, a scientific video- and data-gathering tool safely worn by wild animals, was invented by National Geographic marine biologist Greg Marshall to capture unique insight into animal behavior and clues to help protect animals and the world we share. Through interactive displays, firsthand footage, and evocative environments, visitors can explore the stories of animals all over the world, including seals and sea lions, sharks, sea turtles, whales, penguins, bears and lions.”

August 11 – August 17:

Now that we are in the serious, hard-core, take-no-prisoners heat of August, how about we hide inside and watch a movie in a nice cool dark place. Head over to the Houston Museum of Natural Science and take in Dinosaurs 3D at the IMAX theater. “Dinosaurs 3D will take audiences on an unprecedented and unique 3D journey into the world of the largest known dinosaurs and, in the process, explore some of the great paleontological discoveries of modern time. Deeply rooted in science, the film carries the audience through the lives of Giganotosaurus and the Argentinosaurus. The action is exciting and the landscape is out of this world.”

August 18 – August 24:

The Russian American Kids Circus will be preforming over at the Moody Gardens Hotel. “The Russian American Kids Circus featuring children ages 6 to 16 who fill the stage with a blur of spangles and dazzles audiences with soaring acrobatics, synchronized unicycling, black-light juggling, clowning, and acts of precision balancing in the hallowed tradition of the European circus. The Russian American Kids Circus begins August 16, 2008 and runs daily through August 24, 2008. There will be a 50-minute afternoon children’s matinee show at 1:00 PM”

How about exploring nature a little this last week of summer? “Visitors to Armand Bayou Nature Center enjoy a variety of fun and educational activities. Those who wish to spend a leisurely walk in nature can hike 1 or all 4 trails that take them through the different ecosystems at the nature center. For those interested in 1890′s farm life the Martyn farm house offers a glimpse into the past. Most weekends someone form our volunteer staff is on site for Q&A. And no trip to the Nature Center would be complete with out a stop by the Bison observation deck. Here visitors view the 3 newest members to the Nature Center Family. In February 2008 we received 2 Bison calves.

Saturdays at the Nature Center we offer activities that only a nature persevere can offer. Experience Armand Bayou at water level via a canoe or pontoon boat. The boat trips are very popular and fill up weeks in advance.”

And for mommies and daddies of wee ones — the end of summer doesn’t mean a whole lot to you. Your little ones aren’t going back to school. What should you do? Get out of the house and be save your sanity by attending the Angelika Film Center’s Baby Matinee:

“Every Friday & Saturday at 11:45am, the Angelika Film Center and Kiehl’s present the “Cry Baby Matinee at the Angelika” for frustrated parents all over the Houston area. Relax and enjoy a film at the Angelika without worrying about unexpected tantrums or feedings in the dark. We keep the lights dimmed, the sound volume down, and the films coming. Baby changing table provided. Regular matinee admission for adults and children under 5 get in free!”

And the movies? Are not kiddie movies. We’re not talking Disney fare here. Go ahead, feel like a grown-up again for a couple hours.